Car Rental - Oxford
Car rental in Oxford opens the possibilities of a charming English destination. Known as the city of dreaming spires, this historic wonder lies in southeast England, not far from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. This quintessentially British city is home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities, as well as the famous Bodleian Library and picturesque Botanic Gardens.
Stroll through the streets, lined with golden stone buildings, and rent a flat-bottomed boat, known as a punt, for a leisurely trip down the river, pushed along only by a pole.
You’ll find lots to see and do within this fascinating city, but renting a car in Oxford means you can also venture further afield to the Cotswolds, Chiltern Hills and major destinations such as London and Birmingham.
Of our convenient Oxford car rental pick-up points, the most central is at the train station, so you can make the city your base as you explore the rest of the United Kingdom. Reserve the perfect car for your trip online.
Oxford Locations
A Quick Guide to Oxford
Oxford is teeming with attractions, from its college buildings and historic library to the parks and green spaces all around the city. With an Oxford rental car you’ll find much more within easy reach, allowing you to really make the most of your time in the UK.
From the glorious Blenheim Palace to the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the bright lights of London, there’s plenty here to fill any trip itinerary.
Dreaming Spires
One of the highlights of any visit to Oxford is driving to the different colleges in your Oxford car rental that make up its world-famous university. There are 38 in total, located all around the city. Reserve a place on a walking tour where you can learn all about the history and architecture of these unique buildings.
If time is short and you’ve only got time to visit one college, Christ Church is a must-see. Several scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed here and it’s also where the author Lewis Carroll taught mathematics and was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland.
Guided tours are available, and the college chapel – which is also the city’s cathedral – opens to visitors at 6pm for choral evensong, an experience that’s not to be missed.
Castle and Culture
There are many other fascinating historical and cultural sights to see in and around Oxford, but one of the most impressive has to be the Bodleian Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in the world and you can explore its incredible collections of books and manuscripts. There are some on-street parking spaces for your holiday car rental close by, including five Blue Badge disabled spaces, or you can use the Park and Ride service.
You can even take a tour that includes the reading room of Duke Humfrey’s Library, where Nobel Prize winners and kings of England have studied.
To learn more about the history of the city, head to Oxford Castle and Prison where you can climb St George’s Tower to enjoy panoramic views, and head inside to see the crypt and debtors’ tower. And if you really enjoy your time there, you can even stay over – part of the prison has been turned into a hotel, so you can spend the night in a converted cell. Park your Oxford rental car at the nearby Westgate Shopping Centre or on Gloucester Green for easy access.
For a different view of the city, head to the River Cherwell, where you’ll have the chance to rent a punt. These traditional, flat-bottomed boats are synonymous with Oxford and Cambridge and offer a great way to see the highlights of this university town.
In the Footsteps of Churchill
Renting a car in Oxford also allows you to explore the surrounding area, with many scenic driving routes available nearby. Head to the Cotswolds just a few miles away and you’ll discover traditional stone-built villages and lively market towns, along with historic trails and beautiful woodlands.
Just a short drive outside Oxford is Blenheim Palace, a stately home dating back to the 17th century. It belongs to the family of Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s famous leader during World War II. Today you can explore an exhibition dedicated to him, including the room where he was born in 1874, along with photographs and other artifacts from his life. There are two car parks on-site for your Oxford rental car and parking is included in your entry fee.
Afterwards, you can view the priceless art housed within the palace and the Long Library, where there are thousands of historic books and many portraits of former kings and queens of England.
Also not to be missed are the beautifully landscaped grounds surrounding the palace, home to the stunning Great Lake and hundreds of ancient oak trees, and the Churchill Memorial Garden.
Renting a car in Oxford means you’ll be able to explore all this and much more during your stay in this charming corner of the UK.
Driving In and Around Oxford
Oxford car rental gives you access to excellent road links to the surrounding area. The closest airport is London Heathrow, just 45 miles away from the city along the M40. Central London is just a 55-mile journey along the A40 and M40 when you rent a car in Oxford.
These roads also connect Oxford to the outstanding beauty of the Chiltern Hills, while in the opposite direction you can follow the A40 west towards the Cotswolds and Cheltenham, a former spa town famous for its prestigious horseracing track.
Drive your rental car south out of Oxford and join the A34 to visit the market town of Newbury and the historic city of Winchester, which served as England’s capital until the 11th century.
Oxford is a relatively compact city and parking can be limited in its center. Some street parking is available – you will usually need to purchase a ticket from a nearby meter. Visitor parking at most colleges and university buildings is available for disabled motorists.
If you don’t wish to drive your rental car right into Oxford city center, there are ‘Park and Ride’ facilities available at Redbridge and other locations on the outskirts of the city, where you can leave your car for a few hours and make use of the shuttle bus.
If you’re driving in the center of Oxford, you’ll find a system of bus lanes in place. These lanes are off-limits to motorists and are monitored by cameras, so take care not to accidentally cross into one or you may risk a fine.
Unlike mainland Europe, the UK drives on the left. Speed limits are usually 60mph for main A-roads, 30mph in built-up areas, and 70mph on the highway, but these are subject to change.